Gavin Newsom, governor of California, commuted the death sentences of 548 prisoners condemned to death in the state to life imprisonment.

Gavin Newsom, governor of California, commuted the death sentences of 548 prisoners condemned to death in the state to life imprisonment.

In a letter, he wrote: “Now we can allow these criminals to die in anonymity, while we will remember and honor the victims forever.”

The decision to halt executions, in a state that has not executed anyone since 2006, is considered largely symbolic. However, according to experts, this could save millions of dollars in court costs every year. Since 1978, when voters restored the death penalty in California, only 13 prisoners have been executed in the state.

The decision is being made as the name of Gavin Newsom, the Democratic leader of the most populous state in the United States, is being discussed as one of the potential Democratic candidates in the 2028 presidential election.

Mr. Newsom’s term is nearing its end due to legal limitations, and he is spending the final months of his time in office.

📷Reuters